Teams prepare for catch-pit construction on A83 route

THE NEXT phase of work on landslide protection measures on the Rest and Be Thankful road is now under way.

Construction teams are currently preparing the site for the next stage of the project by creating safe access areas for the teams to carry out the work.

After this preparation stage is complete, the main construction works will involve the excavation of three debris catch-pits at the bottom of the slope next to the A83.

As part of a £1.84 million project, this first phase of catch-pit installations is designed to stop debris from landslides reaching the road.

Each of the catchpits has been designed to provide additional support to the existing debris fences already in place by providing extra storage to catch any falling debris.

The catch-pits are located along the bottom of the hillside in spots where there is the greatest need for protection.

The need for work to be carried out on the A83 was highlighted again on Sunday evening as more landslide warnings were issued.

A spokesperson for BEAR Scotland said: ‘Safety signs were activated by Traffic Scotland following heavy rainfall warnings to advise motorists to use caution when approaching the Rest and Be Thankful. Our teams patrolled the area during the weekend, but no debris on the carriageway was reported.’

Temporary traffic lights will be in place on the A83 each day from 7am to 6pm, Mondays to Saturdays, with no lights in place outside working hours. Teams began work last week and are expected to take up to a further three weeks to complete.